Liverpool Weigh Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande as Mohamed Salah Exit Nears
On Media Matters for Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Lewis Steele discussed Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements as the club prepares for Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of the season.
Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool this summer, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in the club’s modern history. His exit leaves Arne Slot facing the difficult challenge of replacing goals, creativity and presence on the right side of Liverpool’s attack.
During the discussion, Davis highlighted two names strongly linked with Liverpool, RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande and Paris Saint Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool unsure over Diomande valuation
Steele explained that Liverpool “obviously like” Diomande, but suggested there are reservations about the overall package involved in a potential deal.
“The word I have on Diomande is that Liverpool are just a bit unsure whether to trigger an £85 million-ish fee for a player who in the grand scheme of things is relatively unproven,” he said.
Steele acknowledged Diomande’s strong Bundesliga form but questioned whether the numbers fully justify the pressure that would come with replacing Salah at Anfield.
“His numbers aren’t that good,” Steele said. “They’re not like jump off the screen good.”
He also pointed towards the expectation surrounding whoever arrives next. “Whether you like it or not,” Steele said, Diomande would immediately be “built as the Mohamed Salah replacement.”
Barcola seen as more proven option
By comparison, Steele appeared more convinced by Barcola’s profile and experience.
“I think Barcola would be a preferable target in that sense,” he explained.
One reason may involve PSG’s own reported interest in Diomande. Steele revealed: “A little birdie tells me that PSG quite like Diomande.”
If PSG move for the Leipzig forward, it could potentially strengthen Liverpool’s chances of landing Barcola instead.
Steele also outlined why he believes the French international may suit Liverpool better under Slot.
“He’s more proven,” Steele said, noting Barcola’s Champions League pedigree, versatility and durability. “He can play on both sides.”
Steele added that Barcola has produced “about 12 goals, eight assists, something like that this season,” despite not always being the focal point of PSG’s attack.
Photo: IMAGO
Salah replacement remains Liverpool’s biggest task
Steele made another important comparison when discussing Barcola’s role at PSG.
He argued the winger suffers slightly because he competes alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who Steele described as “the best winger in Europe or one of top three definitely.”
For Liverpool, replacing Salah was always going to be one of the defining challenges of this rebuild under Arne Slot. Steele’s assessment suggested Bradley Barcola may currently look the more realistic and convincing option compared to Yan Diomande as Liverpool reshape their future beyond the Salah era.
